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Keep an eye on that infection

Ever wondered why you have dry, itchy and red eyes? Maybe the pain, swelling and itching are the warning signs of an eye infection that shows up in different ways.

Keep an eye on that infection


Dr Aparna Kotekar

Ever wondered why you have dry, itchy and red eyes? Maybe the pain, swelling and itching are the warning signs of an eye infection that shows up in different ways. The infection could be viral, bacterial or fungal; each type is treated differently. There are many parasitic and bacterial elements that can occupy your eye space, with the potential to attack the outer and inner surface of the eyes.

When infection invade your eyes, you feel there is a lot of load over the eyelid. When your eyes are subjected to bright light, you feel them burning due to vision sensitivity. A lump under your eyelids and soreness are two of the prime symptoms of an infection.

Ways to avoid infection

A correct diagnosis is the basic requirement for better treatment. Now, there are several devices that can measure and check the progress of infection in your eyes. Identifying the nature of infection is important to prevent and treat your eyes in a right manner. If you notice redness in your eyes for a long time, a check-up will help in gauging the severity of infection. Self-diagnosis can lead to delay in treatment. 

To prevent eye infections, one must practice good hygiene. Cleaning your hands before rubbing or touching the eyes is a must. In case you wear contact lenses, follow the instructions of your doctor to maintain the lenses. Also, avoiding direct exposure to smoke and chemical substances will help. Besides, poor sleeping patterns and diet affect your immunity and cause eye infections.   

Causes 

Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome: It is a fungal infection that attacks your lungs and causes serious retinal damage too. It affects the part where most of the vision cells are present, which is called macula. It causes retinal decay and affects the field of vision.

Chlamydia: It is one of the common diseases which leads to conjunctivitis. While the chlamydia infection is more common in genital organs, it could affect the eyes too. This type of infection is often referred to as chlamydial conjunctivitis.

Bacterial Keratitis: This is a common bacteria found in the mouth, nose and skin. It attacks cornea, a transparent layer forming the front of the eye.

Common infections

Conjunctivitis: It is often called the ‘pink eye’ infection, with viral and bacterial origins. Close eye contact at school, college or workplace causes it. It’s easily curable, though.

Dacryocystitis: It affects the tear-sac and blocks the nasolacrimal duct, which goes from the tear-duct to the nose. It can cause fever if it gets severe.

Keratitis: It is a condition which causes the inflammation of cornea, a curve-shaped tissue in front of the eyes. Bacteria, parasite and fungi give rise to infectious keratitis, while the non-infectious one is caused due to minor injuries.

— The writer is the HoD- Molecular Department, iGenetic Diagnostics

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